New London police say traffic stop led to gun seizure

New London — A routine traffic stop on Bank Street Tuesday led to the seizure of a handgun and the arrest of the driver, police said.

At 12:24 p.m., police said they spotted a man, later identified as 20-year-old Jared Gomez of Manchester, driving while on the phone and without his seat belt on.

Police said they developed information, with the assistance of probation officers, that Gomez was in possession of a handgun. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a .380 semi-automatic pistol.

Gomez was charged with weapons in a motor vehicle, criminal possession of a firearm, failure to wear a seat belt and using a handheld cellphone while driving.

In August, court records show Gomez was arrested by Groton Town police on charges that included second-degree stalking, second-degree reckless endangerment and second-degree unlawful restraint.